RAF Veteran Takes on London Marathon in Gratitude to Armed Forces Charity
Mandy Small, a dedicated former member of the RAF Police with 12 years of service, is set to run the London Marathon this April as a heartfelt thank you to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. This gesture comes after SSAFA provided crucial support to Mandy and her son, Jamie, following the devastating loss of her husband, Chris, to suicide.
A Life of Service and Tragedy
Mandy, now 47, met her husband Chris in 2004 while both were deployed to Iraq. They later married and started a family. Chris served 21 years in the British Army before taking voluntary redundancy in 2013. However, he struggled to adjust to civilian life, leading to the couple's separation. After battling mental health issues, Chris tragically took his own life in November 2016, just two and a half years after leaving the Army. At the time, their son Jamie was only eight years old.
Following the separation, Mandy returned to Woodbridge, Suffolk, to be closer to her family. It was here that her local SSAFA branch stepped in, offering vital assistance. They helped source funding for funeral costs, provided new bedroom furniture, and arranged bereavement counselling for Jamie, easing the family's burden during an incredibly difficult period.
SSAFA's Lifesaving Support
Mandy expressed deep gratitude for SSAFA's unwavering support. "SSAFA, the charity as a whole and my local Suffolk branch were with us every step of the way, from day one after I reached out for help," she said. "It’s hard to put into words how much they helped us, and it sounds cliché, but their support was life-changing but also lifesaving for our family."
She highlighted that beyond financial aid and counselling, the emotional support was paramount. "I had someone who treated me as Mandy, not as Jamie’s mum, or Chris’s widow. They didn’t judge Chris for what he had done. There is so much stigma around suicide – but they got it. And through SSAFA being strong for me, I was able to be strong for Jamie."
Training for a Marathon of Gratitude
Nearly a decade after her loss, Mandy has set a personal goal to run a marathon before turning 50. She chose the London Marathon as a way to give back to SSAFA through sheer physical effort. Starting her running journey only in May last year, she began with the 'Couch to 5km' program to build confidence and improve her mental health. Her progress led her to successfully complete the Ipswich half marathon in 2025.
Despite facing an injury that required a recovery break, Mandy's determination remains unshaken. She has even enlisted a personal trainer for strength and conditioning. "I’m not a runner – but I took on the Ipswich half marathon last year to give me more confidence and prove to myself that I could do this," she shared. "I’ve found that I am actually really enjoying the positive changes the training is bringing to my lifestyle. My eating habits have improved, I’m sleeping better. Mentally, I’m stronger too."
Her training routine includes a pre-run ritual of spaghetti bolognaise and garlic bread for carb-loading, accompanied by romance audiobooks during her runs. "Surprisingly, I’m really loving taking on this challenge especially as I am doing it for SSAFA, a charity I am so grateful to," she added.
From Recipient to Advocate
After receiving support from SSAFA, Mandy transitioned into working for the charity in a fundraising role. This experience gave her a new perspective, igniting a passion for helping the Armed Forces community. She now serves as a veteran outreach support officer, aiding others who may face similar challenges to those she and her son overcame.
Mandy has already raised over 80% of her £2,500 fundraising target. She is determined to complete the marathon to ensure SSAFA can continue its mission of supporting the entire Armed Forces community—including serving and retired personnel, regulars and Reserves, and their families—a cause the charity has championed since 1885.
For urgent emotional support, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
